Overview
Arizona is one of the top birding states in the country, thanks to its Sonoran desert, sky-island mountains, and border specialties found nowhere else in the U.S. Deserts that look empty are full of remarkably adapted birds.
This guide covers common and iconic Arizona birds — the field marks that identify them, their habitats, and where to look. Pair it with a photo and the app to confirm any bird you spot.
Key Species to Know
Cactus Wren
Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus
Arizona's state bird — a large, boldly spotted wren with a white eyebrow that builds football-shaped nests in cholla and cactus. Loud and conspicuous.
Gambel's Quail
Callipepla gambelii
A plump gray quail with a comma-shaped topknot and, on the male, a chestnut cap and black face. Runs in family coveys across the desert floor.
Greater Roadrunner
Geococcyx californianus
A large, ground-running cuckoo with a shaggy crest and long tail, sprinting after lizards and snakes. More often seen dashing than flying.
Gila Woodpecker
Melanerpes uropygialis
A tan woodpecker with a black-and-white barred back; the male has a small red cap. Nests in cavities it excavates in saguaro cactus.
Curve-billed Thrasher
Toxostoma curvirostre
A gray-brown desert thrasher with a long down-curved bill and orange eye, often calling a sharp "whit-wheet" from a cactus perch.
Anna's Hummingbird
Calypte anna
A stocky hummingbird; the male shows a flashing rose-pink head and throat. Common year-round at desert flowers and feeders.
Seasonal Guide
- Spring migration and the summer monsoon bring a surge of hummingbirds and mountain specialties.
- Early morning is by far the most active and coolest time to bird the desert.
- Desert washes and backyard feeders concentrate birds where water and flowers are available.
Safety Reminder
Observe birds without disturbing them, and never approach nests. In the desert, carry water and watch your footing around cactus and rocks. Identification results are reference information for learning and enjoyment.
Identify it instantly
Found something and not sure what it is? Point your camera with Spotter and get a species identification in seconds — with detailed reference info and species notes.